Tablet · Apple · iPad Mini 3
Apple iPad Mini 3 Screen Replacement
Screen Replacement guide for the Apple iPad Mini 3
Before you begin
Tools
- Heat gun or hairdryer
- Suction cup
- Plastic opening tools
- Precision screwdriver set
- Tweezers
- Anti-static wrist strap
Parts / materials
- Adhesive strips
- Isopropyl alcohol (99%)
- Lint-free microfiber cloth
Safety
- Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from fine glass splinters if the screen is cracked.
- Do not bend or puncture the lithium-ion battery while working inside the device.
- Keep heat gun temperatures under 90°C to avoid damaging internal plastic components.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Heat the display edges
3 minApply heat around the outer glass perimeter using a heat gun for 2 to 3 minutes to soften the display adhesive.
- 2
Attach suction cup
1 minPlace a suction cup near the top edge of the glass and pull upward firmly to create a small gap.
- 3
Insert opening pick
2 minSlide an opening pick into the gap between the glass frame and the aluminum rear case.
- 4
Slice top adhesive
2 minSlide the pick across the top edge of the iPad to sever the adhesive bond beneath the glass.
- 5
Slice side adhesive
2 minGuide the opening pick down the right edge, keeping the insertion depth under 3 mm to avoid component damage.
- 6
Slice left adhesive
2 minMove the pick along the left edge of the screen to cut through the remaining perimeter adhesive.
- 7
Open glass assembly
1 minGently lift the right side of the digitizer glass and open it like a book toward the left side.
- 8
Remove LCD plate screws
4 minUnscrew the seven Phillips #00 screws securing the large metal LCD shield plate.
- 9
Remove LCD plate
1 minLift the aluminum shield plate out of the chassis and set it aside in a safe location.
- 10
Remove LCD corner screws
2 minRemove the four Phillips #00 screws located at each corner of the LCD screen assembly.
- 11
Lift LCD panel
2 minCarefully pry up the top edge of the LCD screen and flip it open toward the bottom of the device.
- 12
Isolate battery power
2 minInsert a plastic battery blocker or guitar pick beneath the battery contact screw pad to disconnect power.
- 13
Remove cable bracket
2 minUnscrew the three Phillips #00 screws holding the metal display cable retaining bracket in place.
- 14
Disconnect display cables
2 minUse a spudger to pop the LCD and digitizer flex cable connectors straight up off the logic board.
- 15
Remove home button bracket
3 minUnscrew the metal retaining bracket securing the Touch ID home button to the back of the old digitizer.
- 16
Transfer original home button
5 minPry up the home button ribbon cable and transfer it to the replacement digitizer screen to retain Touch ID functionality.
- 17
Clean frame and reapply adhesive
6 minRemove old glue residue from the frame with isopropyl alcohol, then apply fresh pre-cut adhesive strips along the perimeter.
- 18
Connect new screen cables
5 minAttach the new screen connectors, reinstall the metal cable bracket, and assemble the LCD and shield plate.
After your Apple iPad Mini 3 screen replacement
Power the iPad Mini 3 back on and test the screen replacement function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Apple iPad Mini 3 job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Apple iPad Mini 3 repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
